Lord Mayor of Southampton opens Race Village for Ocean Globe Race

Today, after months of anticipation and amid great fanfare, the Lord Mayor of Southampton officially opened the Race Village for the Ocean Globe Race at our Ocean Village Marina in the heart of the city.

MDL Marinas staff, the race organiser, competitors, press and local race supports were in attendance as the Lord Mayor, and Honorary Admiral of the Port, cut the ribbon and declared the Race Village open.

I’m delighted to open the Race Village at MDL’s stunning Ocean Village Marina and officially welcome to our wonderful city the intrepid sailors who will shortly set sail to circumnavigate the globe, With so many international crews coming together, I think it’s wonderful that Britain and Southampton can host such an event, and it is so important for the city to continue to support sailing events of this magnitude, to honour Southampton’s maritime heritage, as well as its future as a centre for marine education and trade.

Many of the race yachts are already berthed alongside the marina’s pontoons, with competing crew members arriving daily to make their final preparations before embarking on this epic seven-month, 27,000-mile race around the world, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Whitbread Round the World Race.

The countdown to the race start is now on. On Sunday 10 September at 1pm from the historic Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, renowned sailor and veteran circumnavigator, Sir Chay Blyth will start the 14 yachts in this retro edition of the iconic race.

Now the Race Village is officially open - let the festivities begin! With all the activities planned over the next couple of weeks we’re hoping to recreate the jubilant atmosphere of the early races, inspiring the next generation of round the world sailors.

It’s free to enter the village and there’s something for everyone from celestial navigation workshops and lifejacket checks to face painting and treasure maps. So, if you want to be front and centre of all the action at this truly memorable event, come down to Ocean Village and join in the celebrations.

The Race Village at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina is open from 29th August – 10 September 2023. Entry to the Race Village is Free – to register for a free ticket visit https://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/ogr23/